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Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

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Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

#81

Post by CuriousCosmic »

eismcc wrote: post #51

After my class read this book in high school, we wrote the author and he responded. How often does that happen in today’s schools?

It depends what the book is. For science fiction (or fantasy) stories like this, it's pretty common. And many are actually pretty active on social media as well.

Probably the most well known example is Neil Gaiman who is extremely active on tumblr, at least prior to Elon used to be extremely active on twitter, and would regularly drop into discussions of their works.

Other notable examples (albeit less active) off the top of my head include James S.A. Corey (Daniel Abraham and Ty Frank) and Andy Weir.

Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

#82

Post by empath-nirvana »

throwaway98797 wrote: post #79

this is why i don’t take adderal i dare not glimpse what i can be for to lose it seems like a terrifying fate

I have ADHD and I took Adderal for a while and it definitely does not make you smarter. It makes you more focused and there are plusses and minuses to that.

Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

#84

Post by NeoTar »

midn1ghtexpress wrote: post #45
jjice wrote: post #34

This story is part of the reason I'd never want to know about where I land intelligence wise compared to other people. No matter the outcome, I don't think it could be good. I it's below average, I'll feel limited. If it's above average, I'll have added pressure of self expectations and maybe arrogance. That's not the case for everyone, but I'm happy where I am currently. Back to the story - the use of grammar and sp…

Frankly, everyone's familiar with the Dunning-Kruger effect, but the lack of intelligence in this story reminds me of Roog by Philip K. Dick. It's about a dog's paranoia regarding the local garbage men. He tries to warn his "guardian," but all he can say is: Roog.

Everyone thinks they are familiar with the Dunning Kruger effect. Probably 95% of people get it wrong.

[I am not a psychologist, but here is my summary of how I think the real effect works...

Let's say we have a skill we can be assessed on a scale of 1-10. 1 is worst, 10 is best.

The popular perception of the Dunning Kruger effect is that people lower on the scale, say 2 or 3, rate themselves highly - say 7 or 8. And people who are higher - say a 7 or 8 - rate themselves more modestly - say a 5 or 6. i.e. people who are less skilled rate themselves as being better performers than people who are better.

The actual effect is a lot weaker, and a kind of reversion to the mean. If you are a 2 or 3 you may rate yourself a 4 or a 5. If you are a 7 or an 8 you may rate yourself as only a 6 or a 7. Less skilled people are well aware that they are less skilled, but may underestimate the degree of the effect.]

Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

#86

Post by bingleboy »

empath-nirvana wrote: post #82
throwaway98797 wrote: post #79

this is why i don’t take adderal i dare not glimpse what i can be for to lose it seems like a terrifying fate

I have ADHD and I took Adderal for a while and it definitely does not make you smarter. It makes you more focused and there are plusses and minuses to that.

My experience with Adderall in my adolescence was that it made me more obnoxious towards my romantic partner and that when we did share affection while i'd want more things like my lips just felt numb. Doing more isn't always better.

Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

#87

Post by Ma8ee »

gmadsen wrote: post #39
jjice wrote: post #34

This story is part of the reason I'd never want to know about where I land intelligence wise compared to other people. No matter the outcome, I don't think it could be good. I it's below average, I'll feel limited. If it's above average, I'll have added pressure of self expectations and maybe arrogance. That's not the case for everyone, but I'm happy where I am currently. Back to the story - the use of grammar and sp…

How is that possible to not know? Have you never worked on a team?

I can estimate people’s skill levels within different areas, but only get a very rough estimate of their general intelligence.

Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

#88

Post by icedchai »

yurishimo wrote: post #41
gmadsen wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How is that possible to not know? Have you never worked on a team?

I mean, there is a difference between an informed estimate and knowing for sure. Maybe that person you always work with is not the brightest programmer, but maybe they don't care about it as much as you. People can demonstrate intelligence is many different ways. Plus, if they doesn't want to know, why does it matter? It's their life to live in ignorance. For this specific topic, I don't see any harm in leaving your…

As an 1980's "gifted" kid, believe me, they made sure you knew. IQ tests in 3rd grade, "enrichment" classes 3x a week, taking the SAT in 7th grade for some special program.

Later in life, most of these gifted kids were total disappointments. I know I am.

Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

#89

Post by EvanAnderson »

NeoTar wrote: post #84
midn1ghtexpress wrote: post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Frankly, everyone's familiar with the Dunning-Kruger effect, but the lack of intelligence in this story reminds me of Roog by Philip K. Dick. It's about a dog's paranoia regarding the local garbage men. He tries to warn his "guardian," but all he can say is: Roog.

Everyone thinks they are familiar with the Dunning Kruger effect. Probably 95% of people get it wrong. [I am not a psychologist, but here is my summary of how I think the real effect works... Let's say we have a skill we can be assessed on a scale of 1-10. 1 is worst, 10 is best. The popular perception of the Dunning Kruger effect is that people lower on the scale, say 2 or 3, rate themselves highly - say 7 or 8. And…

> Everyone thinks they are familiar with the Dunning Kruger effect. Probably 95% of people get it wrong.

The Dunning Kruger effect effect, eh?

Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]

#90

Post by vouaobrasil »

presidentender wrote: post #74
vouaobrasil wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Indeed. I wish I could have been born in a world where I could use my skills for survival in the forests and die younger but have a more fulfilling life. Modern technological society is a disappointment, even if I am more comfortable.

You can still go die in the forest. One fellow had a book written about him for doing just that.

It's not the dying that matters. It's the opportunity to live in the forest that I would like. Life and death are part of existence and we should not try and escape that. It is only the pathological dream of modern technologists to escape death, which creates a rather abysmal life.
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